Mayor Amy Martin vowed to lead the newly-elected Norfolk County Council by example and treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve.
“I acknowledge the challenges of being an elected official,” Martin said at the council’s inaugural meeting held Nov. 15. “I know that at times our opinions will certainly differ.
“But I commit to you that I will lead with respect and integrity.”
Anything less than that would be disrespectful to the Norfolk residents who elected the councilors to office, she added.
The role of deputy-mayor will rotate among the councilors, Martin said.
The inaugural meeting marks the first time the newly-elected council gathered for a formal meeting.
Councilors were led into the Norfolk County Council chamber by Piper Brad Smith. After the meeting was called to order, Olivia Mae Graham sang O’ Canada and county CAO Al Meneses welcomed the new council.
Martin was sworn into office first followed by each councilor – Tom Masschaele (Ward 1), Linda Vandendriessche (Ward 2), Michael Columbus (Ward 3), Chris Van Paassen, (Ward 4), Alan Duthie (Ward 5), Doug Brunton (Ward 5), Adam Veri (Ward 6) and Kim Huffman (Ward 7).
Masschaele, Vandendriessche, Columbus, Van Paassen and Huffman are returning councilors while Duthie and Veri are embarking on their first term as elected officials.
Brunton is returning to council after a four-year hiatus.
During her inaugural address Martin said the responsibility of elected office is a great one.
Treating the people of Norfolk County with the utmost respect and dignity must be upheld at all times, Martin said.
Council, Martin said, must be pro-active rather than reactive as it begins on its four-year term. It must make decisions that benefit the community now and into the future.
Reflecting on the past term council, Martin said it presented her with the most challenging and most difficult personal growth lessons that she has ever experienced.
But those hurdles gave her a fiery passion to represent Norfolk County better, to stand up for what she believed to be right and to use her voice, Martin said.
Martin promised to represent Norfolk County in the very best light. She cited, as priorities, addressing the county’s infrastructure, building positive relationships, restoring Norfolk’s reputation, communicating appropriately and transparently, and implementing a succession plan for the future.
As mayor, Martin said she will put an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
Martin also listed, during his inaugural address, the many virtues of Norfolk from the food grown in the community, it’s proud history, it’s economic development and it’s unique tourist attractions.
Following Martin’s inaugural address councilors, beginning with Masschaele, had a chance to speak.
Masschaele, as with the other councilors, thanked those who supported him during the campaign and returned him to office.
“I have a big to-do list for the next four years and I’m really looking forward to working as a team with my council colleagues and my constituents to make Norfolk County better than ever,” Masschaele said.
Vandendriessche said the inaugural meeting is a new start, a new beginning.
“I look forward to a successful four years,” Vandendriessche said. “Nothing will be easy and we will sometimes feel that we have made two steps forward and one step back.
“But what I see here is determination, determination to make Norfolk a better place.”
Columbus vowed to deliver value for every dollar collected from them and expended by the county.
Duthie said it was an “indescribable feeling to be sitting at the council” table for the first time.
“I am deeply honored and fully aware of the responsibility and trust that you have placed in me and I promise that I will work day in and day out to move our community forward,” Duthie said.